There is nothing like the sight, sound and even smell of a steam locomotive in action to create a sense of nostalgia, and as preservation societies all around Great Britain flourish, these miracles of early engineering are just as popular as they ever were during the Golden Age of Steam. Our destination in this programme is the Dean Forest Railway, a fine example of a steam society in the heart of the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside.

From sunrise we join the volunteers as they prepare for a busy steam day, and as the fires are lit and the engine is polished, the atmosphere of a bygone era is rekindled, as the railway comes alive and begins to buzz with anticipation.

Then take a trip through the forest landscape and discover the history of steam, from Stephenson's "Rocket" and Isambard Kingdom Brunel's broad gauge right through to the preserved steam societies of today. With plenty of opportunity to see the trains in close up detail, as well as the track, stations, signal boxes and junctions, this will truly be a memorable experience.